Let's guide our children to live the life THEY want!

Search form

About the NOPBC

Meet the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (from 2015) by NOPBC president Carlton Cook Walker (video)

Many people make a sharp distinction between whether a person is visually impaired or blind, and accordingly classify various tools or techniques as being useful for either a partially sighted person or a person with little or no sight.

We take a different approach. We believe that the exact level of a child's eyesight should not restrict their choice of tools and techniques, and instead ask, “Which are the skills and tools that will best enable this child to succeed?" We gauge success just as for sighted children—by the ability to perform the task at hand effectively, independently, and with confidence. Whatever terms may be used to describe a child's vision loss, the important thing is to ensure access to the entire range of skills and tools available. We believe these 'skills and tools of blindness,' as they are called, are essential for the child’s success both at home and at school. We further believe that blind people who are taught and who embrace effective non-visual skills, whatever their degree of eyesight, are capable of living a full and satisfying life.

What is the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children?

Founded in 1983, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children is a national membership organization of parents and friends of blind children reaching out to each other to give vital support, encouragement, and information. We have over 3,000 members in all 50 states and divisions and parent contacts in about 30 states plus Puerto Rico.

What is different about the NOPBC?

Our status as a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the largest and most influential organization of blind people in the world, provides many benefits. Our members are well informed about the technological, legislative, and societal issues that affect blind people. We also enjoy the resources, support, and expertise of 50,000 blind people who can serve as mentors and role models for our children. And finally, as our children grow up, they, too, have the Federation to belong to.

What is the mission of the NOPBC?

The purpose of the NOPBC is to:

create a climate of opportunity for blind children in home and society.

provide information and support to parents of blind children.

facilitate the sharing of experience and concerns among parents of blind children.

develop and expand resources available to parents and their children.

help parents of blind children gain understanding and perspective through partnership and contact with blind adults.

function as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its ongoing effort to achieve equality and opportunity for all blind persons.